Hyperboloid buildings

ABSTRACT

A BUILDING COMPRISES OUTER AN INNER FRAMEWORKS HAVING VERTICAL AXES WHICH APPROXIMATELY COINCIDE, THE FRAMEWORKS BEING SPACED FROM ONE ANOTHER AND AT LEAST ONE IS GENERALLY HYPERBOLOIDAL, AND MODULAR MEANS INTERCONNECTS THE FRAMEWORKS AT DIFFERENT ELEVATIONS. NO SUPPORTING COLUMNS ARE REQUIRED, AND THE BUILDIN G IS EXTREMELY STABLE AND LENDS ITSELF TO EXTENSIVE USE OF PREFABRICATED STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS.

NOV. 9, 1971 T, j WA RS 3,618,277

HYPERBOLOID BUILDINGS Filed Oct. 10, 1969 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 J/v VE/V 7-0/2 12-22mm: Ware-es Nov. 9, 1971 WATERS 3,618,277

HYPERBOLOID BUILDINGS Filed Oct. 10, 1969 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 7222mm: U Mrs/es Nov. 9, 1971 WATERS 3,618,277

HYPERBOLOID BUILDINGS Filed Oct. 10, 1969 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent Office 3,618,277 HYPERBOLOID BUILDINGS Terrance J. Waters, 3.3560 Mulholland Highway, Malibu, Calif. 90265 Filed Oct. 10, 1969, Ser. No. 865,248 Int. Cl. E04b N34 US. Cl. 52175 16 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A building comprises outer and inner frameworks having vertical axes which approximately coincide, the frameworks being spaced from one another and at least one is generally hyperboloidal; and modular means interconnects the frameworks at different elevations. No sup porting columns are required, and the building is extremely stable and lends itself to extensive use of prefabricated structural elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to building design and more particularly concerns improvements in building supports, frameworks and beam design leading to substantial cost reduction and simplification in construction.

The high expense of conventional rectangular and circular cross-section buildings is in significant part due to the necessity for interior columns and walls required for building support and bracing. Also, present day construction methods are excessively time consuming and entail great expense due to conventional building design employing such interior columns and bracing. Accordingly, there is need for improved designs and methods of construction which will eliminate these disadvantages and take advantage of prefabrication techniques, in the area of building supports, frameworks and beam construction. Also, there is need for buildings that will lessen alienation, isolation and danger associated with apartment living.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a major object of the invention to provide a building construction employing the hyperboloid in a manner such as will significantly reduce the time and cost of building construction, and result in a stronger and more stable structure having many advantages, as will appear.

Basically, the invention is embodied in the combination comprising outer and inner generally annular frameworks having vertical axes which approximately coincide, the major extents of the frameworks being spaced from one another and at least one being generally hyperboloidal and means (as for example modules) interconnecting the frameworks at different elevations. As will be seen, both frameworks may advantageously be hyperboloidal, each with linearly elongated support members (typically concrete members) extending downwardly and laterally along hyperboloidal directrices, and in opposite directions about the framework axes; and framework ties may interconnect the members at loci proximate directrix intersections, the framework interconnecting means being attached to certain of the ties and providing generally annular building floors at different elevations.

As a result, the structure is simple yet extremely strong, all structural loads (whether live or dead loads) traveling in straight lines along the directrix oriented support members in compression, even though such lines are not vertical. Accordingly, the structure braces itself and needs no other bracing walls, shear walls or shear connections into vertical columns; also, there are no supporting columns required in the structure. Further, the annular floors are stable, loading being transferred around the structure for absorption by the mass of the structure and downward Patented Nov. 9, 1971 travel along the directrix-oriented support members to eliminate any tendency for building rotation. It should also be noted that since the hyperbolically curved structure may be constructed using only straight support members as described, great savings are possible through prefabrication of all the component parts of the building.

Additional objects of the invention include the provision of a central vertical hollow Within the building interior, the hollow for example being vertically open to provide natural draft upward air flow for low pressure inducement of cooling air laterally through apartments whose inner and outer Windows are open; the provision of floor spacings which vary in height depending upon their locations within the building; the provision for radiant heating by heat transfer from ceiling piping, the latter being heated by liquid to which heat has been transferred by solar heating at the building top; the provision of ramps interconnecting the annular floors, and elevators located within shafts in the central hollow as referred to; and the provision of multiple buildings as described, interconnected by tunnels or bridges.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of illustrative embodiments, will be morefully understood from the following description and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is an elevation showing the exterior and interior construction of a building incorporating the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation of an exterior portion of the FIG. 1 building;

FIG. 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a representative floor section in the FIG. 1 building;

FIG. 5 is a plan view like FIG. 4, but showing a modified floor section;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a typical beam; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a building cluster.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In accordance with the invention, the building includes outer and inner upright generally annular supporting frameworks having vertical axes which are substantially coaxial, the major extent of the outer framework being spaced from the major extent of the inner framework, one of the frameworks being generally hyperboloidal, together with means interconnecting the frameworks at different elevations. In the example seen in FIGS. 1-4, the outer and inner supporting frameworks of the building 10 are generally designated at 11 and 12, both being generally hyperboloidal and having a common central vertica'l axis .13. In this regard, it will be noted that there need be no interior supporting columns; that althrough the frameworks 11 and 12 are each curved in two directions (vertically and horizontally) all supporting members extend in straight lines from the top to the bottom of the frameworks; and that all walls may be modular, nonsupporting as respects building loads, demountable and movable. Accordingly, great simplicity and reductions in construction costs are achieved, as compared with conventional structures. Also, because of strength characteristics of hyperboloidal structures, the building can be economically constructed yet made many times stronger than required to withstand earthquakes or hurricane forces.

More specifically, the outer framework or truss 11 comprises linearly elongated support members certain (see members 14) of which extend downwardly and laterally along hyperboloidal directrices in one direction about the 0 framework axis, and others (see members 15) of which extend downwardly and laterally along directrices in the opposite direction about the framework axis. In addition, tie structure interconnects the members 14 and 15 at loci proximate directrix intersections, as for example is indicated by ties 16, and the members and ties may consist of pre-cast concrete, metal or other usable material. The ties are grouped in sets at different elevations, the ties of each set at a selected elevation being circularly spaced. See for example the ties in representative sets at elevations 16a, 16b and 160 as indicated. The spacing of circularly successive ties in the majority of the sets is less than twelve feet. Members 14 and 15 may be connected to the ties in abutting relation as by straps 17 or other suitable connectors (as for example extensions 60 pinned at 61 to ties 16).

The inner framework or truss 12 likewise comprises linearly elongated support members certain of which extend downwardly and laterally along hyperboloidal directrices in one direction about axis 13, and others of which extend downwardly and laterally along directrices in the opposite direction about the framework axis. FIG. 3 shows inner framework members 14a and ties 16a corresponding to members 14 and ties 16 of the outer framework.

The inner and outer framework interconnecting means typically extends horizontally and supports generally annular fioors at different elevations. Such means may take the form of modular beams 20a, 20b, 20c, etc. in FIG. 1, with floors at 21a, 21b, 210, etc. Note in this regard that vertically successive floors have vertical separation which is greater for floors of overall greater diameter than for fioors of lesser overall diameter. Thus, for example, the vertical separation between floors 20n and 200 is greater than that between floors 20b and 200. This results from the fact that the horizontal beams are connected with and supported by the ties 16, as better seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, studs 22 such as metal pipes or cylinders may be carried by pre-cast concrete beams 20 to project from the beam end plates 23 and 24 for attachment to the ties 16 and members 140. If desired, the separation between floors may be kept constant. The pre-cast floor segments incorporating beams have trapezoidal shape as seen in FIG. 6, and stud 22 of each beam segment at plate 23 attach to successive ties 16. In this regard, the inner framework ties 16a may not be at precisely the same level as the outer framework ties 16, as appears in FIG. 3. The beams may also include side plates 25 projecting downwardly to support ceiling structure 26 spaced at 27 below the main horizontal flooring 21, to accommodate air and heating ducts, wiring, etc.

See for example heating duct 62 to which hot water may be circulated from a heater 63 at the building top and which is heated by radiant solar energy. Plates 23 and 24 may be fiat or slightly curved.

Turning to FIG. 4, the floors 21 are generally annular, inasmuch as the inner framework defines a central hollow 28 which may be vertically open as seen in FIG. 1. In addition, the frameworks 11 and 12 may define a lateral through passage 29 (louver controlled at 29a) communicating between the building exterior 30 and the lower interior of the central hollow 28, for flowing air inwardly into the latter to rise with natural draft effect. The draft may be increased to keep snow or rain out of the central hollow and patio 46.

Accordingly, inner and outer windows may be opened in apartments at the different fioor levels with resultant good air fiow through the apartments due to the tendency of the central draft to draw air laterally into the hollow 28. Water may be sprayed at into the central opening to cool the upward air flow.

FIG. 4 shows one arrangement of apartments on the annular fioor 21, and outwardly of a common annular hallway 32 adjacent the inner framework location 12. Note the provision of ramps 33 and 34 leading to an immediate floor section 35 between vertically successive floors 21. Ramp 34 leads from floor section 35 to the next lower annular floor 21. Wedge-shaped floor section 35 provides a village park entry in which tables, plants and recreation items may be located, and it also helps eliminate the isolative effect of apartment living. A stair well is provided at 36, and elevator shaft at 37.

FIG. 5 illustrates a somewhat different floor arrangement in Which the common annular hallway 38 is located between an inner row of rooms 39 and an outer row of rooms 40. A vertical shaft 41 contains the staircase 42 and elevator shaft 43.

Turning back to FIG. 1, the illustrated building also includes a base structure supporting the frameworks 11 and 12, and defining a series of lower floors 51-54 communicating with the elevator and stairway shaft 37. Those floors may for example be used for utilities, parking, shops and lobbies, as desired. The top 55 of the base transfers loading from the frameworks 11 and 12 to the base side structure 56 and columns 57. While such a base is useful and provides advantages, it is not essential to the support of the remainder of the building, as described. The term generally annular as applied to frame- Works 11 and 12 and the flooring 21 includes elliptical as well as circular.

Finally, several buildings 64 similar to those described in FIG. 1 may be connected by tunnels 65 seen in FIG. 8, whereby road access to only one building of a cluster is needed, lending isolation of the cluster from road trafiic. A parking or other area may be provided by fioor 71 suspended between the buildings by a cable 72 extending around each building at a selected upper floor level, and having stretches 72a-72f supporting the floor. Bridges 73 connect area 70 with the buildings.

I claim:

1. In a building, the combination comprising (a) outer and inner upright generally annular supporting frameworks having vertical axes which are substantially coaxial, the major extent of the outer framework being spaced from the major extent of the inner framework, each of the frameworks being generally hyperboloidal, the hyperbola of revolution defining each said hyperboloidal framework being concave in an outward direction away from said axes, each framework having linearly elongated support members extending downwardly and laterally along hyperboloidal directrices and in opposite directions about said axes; said support members comprising concrete and transmitting loading downwardly to be in compression; and

(b) means extending generally horizontally and interconnecting said frameworks at different elevations, and supporting building floors.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said members are substantially rigid and transmit downward loading to be in compression, and tie structure interconnecting said certain and other members.

3. The combination of claim 1 and further comprising ties interconnecting said members at loci proximate directrix intersections, said framework interconnecting means being connected to certain of said ties.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the ties are grouped in sets at different elevations, the ties of a set at a selected elevation being circularly spaced.

5. In a building, the combination comprising (a) outer and inner upright generally annular supporting frameworks having vertical axes which are substantially coaxial, the major extent of the outer framework being spaced from the major extent of the inner framework, said frameworks being generally hyperboloidal,

(h) each framework having linearly elongated support members extending downwardly and laterally along hyperboloidal directrices, and in opposite directions about the framework axes, and ties interconnecting said members at loci proximate directrix intersections, and

(c) means interconnecting said frameworks at different elevations and being connected to certain of said ties,

((1) said framework interconnecting means extending generally horizontally and supporting generally annular building floors at different elevations.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein vertically successive floors have vertical separation which is greater for annular floors of greater overall diameters than for annular floors of lesser overall diameters.

7. The combination of claim 5 including multiple buildings as defined, the buildings being horizontally spaced, and including tunnels interconnecting the multiple buildings.

8. The combination of claim 5 including vertical partitions extending between vertically successive floors to form rooms.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein the inner framework defines a central vertical hollow, and including an elevator shaft extending upwardly in said hollow for communication with said floors.

10. The combination of claim 8 including ramp walkways extending between vertically successive floors.

11. The combination of claim 8 wherein the inner framework defines a central hollow which is vertically open, the frameworks defining a lateral through passage communicating between the exterior of the building and lower interior of said central hollow for flowing air inwardly into said hollow to rise with natural draft efiect therein.

12. In a building, the combination comprising (a) an upright hyperboloidal framework having a central vertical axis,

(b) said framework having linearly elongated concrete support members extending downwardly and laterally along hyperboloidal directrices, and in opposite directions about said axis, said members being sub- 6 stantially rigid and transmitting loading downwardly to be in compression, and

(c) ties interconnecting said members at loci proximate directrix intersections, said members also supporting flooring at diiferent elevations.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the ties are grouped in sets at different elevations, the ties of a set at a selected elevation being circularly spaced.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein the spacing of circularly successive ties in the majority of said sets is less than twelve feet.

15. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means interconnecting the building frameworks includes horizontal upper flooring, and the building also including a base structure supporting said frameworks, said base structure defining horizontal lower floors at different elevations.

16. The combination of claim 1 including multiple spaced buildings as defined, and flooring suspended between the buildings by cable structure.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,107,523 2/1938 Coe 52--236 X 3,307,307 3/1967 Wittenmyer et a1. 52-237 X 3,396,502 8/ 1968 Contevita 52236 3,400,401 9/1968 Shaw 52234 X 3,468,087 9/1969 Stancliffe 52236 X 3,491,497 1/1970 Bauer 52146 X OTHER REFERENCES Publication, Torsion Tower, from Architectural Record, May 1963, pp. 91-94.

PRICE C. FAW, JR., Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

